SQ3R

In SQ3R learning model, SQ3R stands for Survey, question, Read, Recite, and Review. This model was described by Francis P. Robinson in the book Effective Study (1946). SQ3R and its variations are used in many colleges worldwide. According to this model, any reading process should involve following steps for maximum understanding.

 The first step is survey; it involves going through the book contents, chapter headings, subheadings, introductory paragraph, figures, captions, tables, and concluding paragraph to get an idea of contents, language, theme, the writing style used, and important topics.

In this step, the reader should think of the questions that can be answered by reading the book. If it’s a school reading, recall what teacher told you about the book. Formulate questions based on your previous reading on the same topic. The important here is to think about what you want out of this reading session.

What type of book is this? (Technical, Historical, Fiction, Scientific, Literature etc.)

What is this book all about? 

What are your goals?

What questions can be asked in exams?

Who is the author of the book? (Short bio and background)

How should I read this book? (Fast, slow, skim)

You can also write these questions in a notebook for easy recall.

Now you can start reading keeping in mind the questions you have written in the previous step. You can refer chapter “Speed reading” for detail information on reading methods.

Recitation has been used since time immemorial to remember verses and religious texts. Reciting what you have just read helps create better mind associations. It involves our speaking, hearing, and viewing faculties and involvement of more than one sense are good for the learning process. For more on memorization process, you can jump to chapter “Optimum memory”.

The review process will go on for few days. While reading you should underline or highlight important facts, theories or figures. You can also write short notes on the margins of the pages. After you have completed reciting process, go through the read text, focusing on highlighted, underlined ideas and margin notes. After that, try to write highlighted ideas on a paper without the help of the textbook. And compare it with highlighted text in the book. Reread highlighted text few more times with 1 or 2-day intervals. For more on the review process, you can jump to “Repetition and reviews” in chapter “Optimum memory”.